Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method comprising: receiving a first request to access a smart pointer stored at a content management system, the smart pointer comprising a representation of a content item stored at a cloud content provider, wherein content and features of the content item are designed for access through a native online application associated with the cloud content provider, the content item comprising a cloud-based content item or a cloud-backed content item; in response to the smart pointer being invoked, sending, from a local application to the cloud content provider, a second request for the content and features of the content item; receiving, at the local application and from the cloud content provider, the content of the content item and metadata for enabling the features of the content item; and in response to receiving the content of the content item and the metadata, providing, by the local application, the content and features of the content item as part of a rendered instance of the smart pointer.
This invention relates to a system for accessing cloud-based or cloud-backed content items through a local application, addressing the challenge of integrating cloud content with native applications while maintaining functionality. The method involves receiving a request to access a smart pointer, which acts as a reference to a content item stored at a cloud content provider. The content item is designed for access through the cloud provider's native online application and may be either fully cloud-based or partially cloud-backed. When the smart pointer is invoked, the local application sends a request to the cloud content provider for the content and associated features of the content item. The cloud content provider responds by providing the content and metadata necessary to enable the features. The local application then processes this data to render the content and features as part of the smart pointer's instance, allowing seamless access to cloud content within a local application environment. This approach ensures that users can interact with cloud-based content through non-native applications while preserving the original functionality and features designed for the cloud provider's native platform.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second request comprises at least one of (1) authentication information associated with the content management system, (2) a unique identifier associated with at least one of the smart pointer or the content item, or (3) access permissions configured at the content management system for the smart pointer, wherein the smart pointer is stored at a user account that is registered at the content management system and associated with the local application, and wherein the content item is stored at the cloud content provider.
This invention relates to a system for managing access to content items stored in a cloud content provider using a content management system. The problem addressed is securely and efficiently retrieving content items from a cloud provider while maintaining access control and authentication through a separate content management system. The method involves a local application generating a first request to a content management system for a smart pointer, which is a reference to a content item stored at a cloud content provider. The content management system validates the request and returns the smart pointer to the local application. The local application then generates a second request to the cloud content provider using the smart pointer. The second request includes at least one of authentication information for the content management system, a unique identifier for the smart pointer or the content item, or access permissions configured in the content management system for the smart pointer. The smart pointer is stored in a user account registered with the content management system and linked to the local application, while the content item itself is stored at the cloud content provider. This ensures that access to the content item is mediated by the content management system, allowing for centralized control over permissions and authentication.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cloud content provider comprises a third-party cloud service that is separate from the content management system, wherein the local application is different from the native online application associated with the cloud content provider and lacks native support for at least one of the content of the content item or one or more of the features associated with the content item, the local application presenting the content of the content item as part of the rendered instance of the smart pointer without translating the content prior to presenting the content.
This invention relates to a system for integrating third-party cloud services with a local application that lacks native support for certain content or features. The system addresses the challenge of enabling a local application to access and display content from a cloud content provider without requiring translation or conversion of the content. The local application is distinct from the native online application provided by the cloud content provider and may not support the content type or associated features. The system uses a smart pointer to dynamically fetch and present the content directly from the cloud service, bypassing the need for prior translation. This allows the local application to render the content as part of the smart pointer instance, maintaining the original format and functionality. The solution ensures seamless integration between disparate systems while preserving the integrity of the cloud-hosted content. The approach is particularly useful in environments where applications lack built-in support for external cloud services or specific content types, enabling broader compatibility and usability.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein presenting the content of the content item as part of the rendered instance of the smart pointer comprises providing access and support to the features associated with the content item through at least one of the smart pointer, the local application, or the content management system.
This invention relates to a system for managing and interacting with digital content through smart pointers, which are lightweight references to content items stored in a content management system. The problem addressed is the need for efficient access to content features without requiring direct handling of the full content item, which can be resource-intensive or impractical in certain environments. The method involves presenting the content of a content item as part of a rendered instance of a smart pointer. This presentation includes providing access to features associated with the content item through at least one of the smart pointer itself, a local application, or the content management system. The smart pointer acts as a proxy, enabling interactions such as viewing, editing, or sharing the content without necessarily retrieving the entire content item. The local application may handle certain features, while the content management system provides additional functionality, such as version control or collaboration tools. This approach ensures that users can interact with content seamlessly, regardless of their device or network conditions, while maintaining the integrity and availability of the content features. The system optimizes resource usage by deferring full content retrieval until necessary, improving performance and user experience.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the features comprise one or more collaboration functionalities, the one or more collaboration functionalities comprising functionality for at least one of active commenting on the content of the content item, bi-directional communication between user accounts working on the content item, or accessing user activity associated with user accounts working on the content item.
This invention relates to collaborative content editing systems, specifically enhancing user interaction and activity tracking within shared digital content. The technology addresses the challenge of enabling seamless collaboration among multiple users working on the same content item, such as documents, spreadsheets, or multimedia files, by providing real-time collaboration functionalities. These functionalities include active commenting on the content, allowing users to add annotations or feedback directly within the content item. Additionally, the system supports bi-directional communication between user accounts, enabling real-time messaging or notifications to facilitate coordination among collaborators. The system also provides access to user activity logs, allowing participants to track changes, edits, or interactions made by other users. This ensures transparency and accountability in collaborative workflows. The invention improves efficiency and clarity in team-based content creation by integrating these features into a unified platform, reducing the need for external communication tools or manual tracking methods. The solution is particularly useful in professional, educational, or creative environments where multiple users contribute to shared documents.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: performing, using the local application, a filesystem operation on the smart pointer; and propagating, from the local application to the cloud content provider, one or more changes associated with the filesystem operation, the one or more changes comprising at least one of a modification of the content item stored on the cloud content provider, a modification of a copy of the content of the content item that is stored on the cloud content provider, or a modification of metadata that is associated with the content item and stored on the cloud content provider.
This invention relates to cloud-based content management systems, specifically methods for synchronizing local and cloud-stored content items using smart pointers. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and complexity of traditional file synchronization between local applications and cloud storage, which often involves duplicating entire files or metadata, leading to unnecessary bandwidth usage and storage overhead. The method involves using a smart pointer, which is a lightweight reference to a content item stored on a cloud content provider, rather than storing the full content locally. A local application performs filesystem operations on the smart pointer, such as modifying the content item or its metadata. These changes are then propagated to the cloud content provider, where they are applied to the actual content item, a copy of its content, or its associated metadata. This approach reduces local storage requirements and minimizes data transfer by only updating the necessary changes rather than entire files. The system ensures consistency between local and cloud-stored versions while optimizing resource usage. The method is particularly useful for large files or frequently updated content, where traditional synchronization would be inefficient.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metadata comprises a first comment added to the content item, the method further comprising: presenting, on the local application, the first comment with the rendered instance of the smart pointer; receiving, by the local application, a second comment added to the rendered instance of the smart pointer from a client device associated with the local application; and propagating, from the local application to the cloud content provider, the second comment to the content item stored on the cloud content provider.
This invention relates to a system for managing and synchronizing comments on digital content items stored in a cloud-based environment. The problem addressed is the lack of seamless integration between local applications and cloud-based content providers, particularly in handling user-generated comments on shared content. The system involves a local application that renders a smart pointer, which is a reference to a content item stored on a cloud content provider. The smart pointer allows users to interact with the content without directly accessing the original file. The metadata associated with the content item includes a first comment, which is displayed alongside the rendered smart pointer in the local application. Users can then add a second comment to the rendered instance of the smart pointer via a client device connected to the local application. This second comment is propagated back to the cloud content provider, updating the content item with the new comment. This ensures that all comments are synchronized between the local application and the cloud storage, maintaining consistency across different access points. The system enables real-time collaboration by allowing users to contribute comments locally and have them reflected in the cloud-stored content.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, from the cloud content provider, data associated with the content item stored on the cloud content provider, the data comprising one or more portions of the content of the content item; in response to a search request, searching indexed data on a user account registered at the content management system for the one or more portions of the content, the user account containing a plurality of content items stored on the content management system, and the indexed data comprising the data associated with the content item; and presenting a search result at the local application on a client device.
This invention relates to cloud-based content management systems and methods for searching content stored across multiple storage locations, including cloud content providers and local user accounts. The problem addressed is the difficulty of efficiently searching for content stored in different systems, particularly when portions of a content item are distributed across a cloud content provider and a user's local account within a content management system. The method involves receiving data associated with a content item from a cloud content provider, where the data includes one or more portions of the content. This data is then indexed and stored in a user account registered at the content management system, which contains multiple content items. When a search request is received, the indexed data is searched for the portions of the content, and the results are presented at a local application on a client device. This allows users to search for content stored in different locations through a unified interface, improving search efficiency and user experience. The method ensures that content fragments stored in the cloud are accessible and searchable alongside content stored in the user's local account.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metadata comprises at least one of a preview of the content item or an indication of user activity associated with the content item, the user activity comprising one or more interactions between one or more user accounts and the content item, the method further comprising: presenting, at the local application, at least one of the preview of the content item and the user activity associated with the content item, the user activity being presented within at least one of the rendered instance of the smart pointer, an activity feed, or a notification message.
This invention relates to enhancing digital content sharing and interaction within a computing environment. The problem addressed is the lack of contextual information when sharing or interacting with digital content, which can lead to inefficient user engagement and reduced content discoverability. The method involves generating and presenting metadata associated with a content item, such as a preview of the content or an indication of user activity related to the content. User activity includes interactions between user accounts and the content, such as views, likes, comments, or shares. This metadata is displayed within a rendered instance of a smart pointer—a graphical element that provides additional context when a user hovers over or selects a content item. The metadata may also be presented in an activity feed or a notification message, ensuring users receive relevant updates about content interactions. The smart pointer dynamically updates to reflect real-time user activity, improving user engagement by providing immediate feedback on content popularity and relevance. The preview allows users to quickly assess the content without fully opening it, while the activity indicators help users understand how others are interacting with the content. This system enhances content discovery and user interaction within digital platforms.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, from the content management system, one or more additional features supported by the content management system and providing additional functionality to the smart pointer, the one or more additional features comprising at least one of access permissions, organization settings associated with the one or more user accounts registered at the content management system, or sharing features.
A system and method for enhancing a smart pointer by integrating additional features from a content management system. The smart pointer is a device or software tool that interacts with digital content, such as files or documents, stored in a content management system. The problem addressed is the limited functionality of smart pointers when operating independently, lacking features like access control, user organization, and collaborative sharing. The invention solves this by dynamically receiving and incorporating additional features from the content management system, such as access permissions, organization settings tied to user accounts, and sharing capabilities. Access permissions allow users to control who can view or modify content, while organization settings enable customization of how content is structured or categorized within the system. Sharing features facilitate collaboration by allowing users to distribute content to others, either within or outside the content management system. By integrating these features, the smart pointer gains enhanced functionality, improving usability and security while maintaining seamless interaction with the content management system. The invention ensures that the smart pointer operates as an extension of the content management system, providing a unified and feature-rich experience for users.
11. A computing device comprising: one or more processors; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: receive, from an application, a first request to access a smart pointer stored at a content management system, the smart pointer comprising a representation of a content item stored at a cloud content provider, wherein content and features of the content item are designed for access through a native online application associated with the cloud content provider, the content item comprising a cloud-based content item or a cloud-backed content item; in response to the smart pointer being invoked, send, from a local application to the cloud content provider, a second request for the content and features of the content item; receive, at the local application and from the cloud content provider, the content of the content item and metadata for enabling the features of the content item; and in response to receiving the content of the content item and the metadata, provide, by the local application, the content and features of the content item as part of a rendered instance of the smart pointer, the features being provided based on the metadata.
This invention relates to computing systems that manage access to cloud-based or cloud-backed content items through smart pointers. The problem addressed is the difficulty of integrating content from cloud content providers into local applications while maintaining the native features and functionality of the content items. Traditional methods often require direct integration with the cloud provider's API, which can be complex and inflexible. The invention describes a computing device with processors and non-transitory storage containing instructions to handle smart pointers. These smart pointers act as references to content items stored at a cloud content provider, where the content and features are designed for access through the provider's native online application. When an application invokes a smart pointer, the local application sends a request to the cloud content provider for the content and metadata needed to enable the content's features. The cloud content provider responds with the content and metadata, which the local application then uses to render the content and features as part of the smart pointer's instance. This approach allows seamless integration of cloud-based content into local applications without requiring direct API integration, preserving the content's native features and functionality. The system supports both cloud-based and cloud-backed content items, ensuring flexibility in content management.
12. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein the second request comprises at least one of (1) authentication information, (2) a unique identifier associated with at least one of the smart pointer or the content item, or (3) access permissions configured at the content management system for the smart pointer, wherein the smart pointer is stored at a user account registered on the content management system and the content is stored at the cloud content provider, wherein the local application is different from the native online application and lacks native support for at least one of the content or features of the content item, the local application presenting the content as part of the rendered instance of the smart pointer without translating the content prior to presentation of the content.
This invention relates to a computing device that facilitates access to cloud-stored content through a local application lacking native support for the content or its features. The system involves a smart pointer, which is a reference stored in a user account on a content management system, pointing to content hosted by a cloud content provider. The local application, distinct from the native online application designed for the content, retrieves the content via the smart pointer without requiring prior translation or conversion. To access the content, the computing device sends a second request to the content management system, which may include authentication details, a unique identifier for the smart pointer or content, or access permissions configured in the system. The local application then presents the content as part of the rendered smart pointer, bypassing the need for compatibility adjustments. This approach enables seamless access to cloud-hosted content across different applications, even those not originally designed to support the content type or its features. The system ensures that users can interact with content stored in the cloud through various local applications without additional processing steps.
13. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein presenting the content of the content item comprises providing access and support to the features associated with the content item through at least one of the smart pointer, the local application, or the content management system, wherein the features comprise one or more collaboration functionalities comprising at least one of active commenting on the content of the content item, bi-directional communication between user accounts working on the content item, or accessing user activity associated with user accounts working on the content item.
This invention relates to computing devices that facilitate collaborative content management and interaction. The technology addresses the challenge of enabling seamless collaboration on digital content across different platforms and applications, ensuring users can access and interact with content features efficiently. The system involves a computing device that presents content items to users, providing access to associated features through a smart pointer, a local application, or a content management system. The smart pointer allows users to interact with content items directly, while the local application and content management system provide additional functionality. Key features include collaboration tools such as active commenting on content, bi-directional communication between users working on the same content, and tracking user activity related to the content. These functionalities enhance real-time collaboration, making it easier for multiple users to contribute, communicate, and monitor changes within a unified environment. The system ensures that users can engage with content regardless of the interface they are using, improving productivity and collaboration efficiency.
14. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: perform, using the application, a filesystem operation on the smart pointer; and propagate, from the local application to the cloud content provider, one or more changes associated with the filesystem operation performed on the smart pointer, the one or more changes comprising at least one of a modification of the content item stored on the cloud content provider, a modification of the content of the content item, or a modification of metadata associated with the content item.
This invention relates to computing systems that manage content items stored in cloud-based storage services. The problem addressed is the need for efficient synchronization of content modifications between local applications and cloud storage providers, particularly when using smart pointers that reference cloud-stored content. Smart pointers are lightweight references to content items stored remotely, allowing local applications to interact with cloud-stored data without downloading the entire content item. The invention describes a computing device with one or more processors and non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions. The device includes an application that uses smart pointers to reference content items stored by a cloud content provider. When a filesystem operation is performed on a smart pointer, such as modifying the content item, its content, or its metadata, the changes are propagated from the local application to the cloud content provider. This ensures that the cloud-stored content remains synchronized with local modifications. The system enables seamless interaction with cloud-stored data while maintaining consistency between local and remote versions of the content. The invention improves efficiency by avoiding unnecessary data transfers and ensuring real-time synchronization of changes.
15. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein the metadata comprises a first comment added to the content item, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium stores additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: based on the metadata, present, by the local application, the first comment with the rendered instance of the smart pointer; receive, by the local application, a second comment added to the rendered instance of the smart pointer from the computing device; and propagate, from the local application to the cloud content provider, the second comment to the content item stored on the cloud content provider.
This invention relates to a computing device that manages and displays metadata associated with content items, particularly focusing on comments added to content items and their propagation. The system involves a local application that renders a smart pointer, which is a visual indicator or interactive element linked to a content item stored on a cloud content provider. The metadata includes a first comment added to the content item, and the local application presents this comment alongside the rendered smart pointer. Users can then add a second comment directly to the rendered instance of the smart pointer via the local application. The system propagates this second comment from the local application to the cloud content provider, updating the content item stored there. This allows for real-time collaboration and synchronization of comments between local and cloud-stored content, ensuring that annotations and discussions remain consistent across different instances of the content item. The invention enhances collaborative workflows by enabling seamless interaction with metadata, such as comments, while maintaining data integrity between local and cloud environments.
16. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium stores additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: receive, from the cloud content provider, data associated with the content item stored on the cloud content provider, the data comprising one or more portions of the content of the content item; in response to a search request associated with the data, searching indexed data on a user account registered at the content management system for the one or more portions of the content, the user account containing a plurality of content items stored on the content management system, wherein the indexed data comprises the data associated with the content item; and present a search result at the local application.
This invention relates to a computing device configured to enhance content search functionality within a cloud-based content management system. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently locating specific portions of content stored across multiple cloud services by integrating search capabilities directly into a local application. The computing device includes one or more processors and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable the device to receive data from a cloud content provider, where the data includes portions of a content item stored on that provider. The system then indexes this data within a user account registered at the content management system, which contains multiple content items. When a search request is received, the system searches the indexed data for the relevant portions of the content and presents the results within the local application. This approach allows users to search across content stored in different cloud services through a unified interface, improving accessibility and reducing the need to navigate multiple platforms. The invention ensures that content from external cloud providers is seamlessly integrated into the search functionality of the content management system, providing a more comprehensive and efficient search experience.
17. The computing device of claim 11 , wherein the metadata comprises at least one of a preview of the content item or an indication of user activity associated with the content item, the user activity comprising one or more interactions between one or more user accounts and the content item, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium stores additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing device to: based on the metadata, present, by the local application, at least one of the preview of the content item or the user activity associated with the content item, the user activity being presented within at least one of the rendered instance of the smart pointer, an activity feed, or a notification message.
This invention relates to computing devices that enhance user interaction with content items by presenting metadata, such as previews or user activity, within a graphical user interface. The problem addressed is the lack of contextual information about content items, which can lead to inefficient user interactions. The solution involves a computing device that retrieves metadata associated with a content item, where the metadata includes either a preview of the content item or an indication of user activity related to it. User activity refers to interactions between one or more user accounts and the content item, such as likes, comments, or shares. The computing device then presents this metadata within a rendered instance of a smart pointer, an activity feed, or a notification message. The smart pointer is a graphical element that provides additional context when a user hovers over or selects a content item. The activity feed aggregates user interactions, while the notification message alerts users to relevant updates. This approach improves user engagement by providing real-time, contextual information about content items directly within the interface.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a first request to access a smart pointer stored at a content management system, the smart pointer comprising a representation of a content item stored at a cloud content provider, wherein content and features of the content item are designed for access through a native online application associated with the cloud content provider, the content item comprising a cloud-based content item or a cloud-backed content item; in response to the smart pointer being invoked, send, from a local application to the cloud content provider, a second request for the content and features of the content item; receive, at the local application and from the cloud content provider, the content of the content item and metadata for enabling the features of the content item; and in response to receiving the content of the content item and the metadata, provide, by the local application, the content and features of the content item as part of a rendered instance of the smart pointer.
This invention relates to systems for accessing cloud-based or cloud-backed content items through a local application, addressing the challenge of integrating cloud content with native applications while maintaining functionality. The system uses a smart pointer, which acts as a reference to a content item stored at a cloud content provider. The content item is designed for access through the cloud provider's native online application, but the smart pointer enables access via a local application. When the smart pointer is invoked, the local application sends a request to the cloud provider for the content and associated features of the content item. The cloud provider responds by providing the content and metadata necessary to enable the features. The local application then renders the content and features as part of the smart pointer, allowing seamless access to cloud content within a local environment. This approach ensures that users can interact with cloud-based content through local applications while preserving the original functionality and features designed for the cloud provider's native application. The solution is implemented via a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable instructions for performing these operations.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the second request comprises at least one of (1) authentication information, (2) a unique identifier associated with at least one of the smart pointer or the content item, or (3) access permissions configured for the smart pointer, wherein the smart pointer is stored at a user account on the content management system and the content is stored at the cloud content provider, wherein the local application is different from the native online application and lacks native support for at least one of the content of the content item or one or more of the features associated with the content item.
This invention relates to a system for managing access to content stored in a cloud content provider using a smart pointer, particularly when a local application lacks native support for the content or its features. The problem addressed is enabling seamless access to cloud-stored content from applications that do not natively support the content type or associated features, such as editing or collaboration tools. The system involves a smart pointer, which is a reference to a content item stored at a cloud content provider, while the smart pointer itself is stored at a user account on a content management system. When a local application requests access to the content via the smart pointer, the content management system processes a second request that includes authentication information, a unique identifier for the smart pointer or content item, or access permissions configured for the smart pointer. This allows the content management system to authenticate the request and retrieve the content from the cloud provider, even if the local application lacks native support for the content type or its features. The system ensures that the local application can still interact with the content, either by converting it to a supported format or by providing alternative access methods. This approach enhances compatibility and usability across different applications and platforms.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19 , wherein providing the content and features of the content item comprises providing access and support to the features through at least one of the smart pointer, the local application, or the content management system, the local application presenting the content of the content item as part of the rendered instance of the smart pointer without translating the content prior to presentation.
This invention relates to a system for managing and presenting digital content items, particularly those with interactive features, through a smart pointer, a local application, or a content management system. The core problem addressed is the efficient and seamless delivery of content and its associated features without requiring translation or conversion before presentation. The system ensures that content items, which may include interactive elements, are displayed in their original form while maintaining functionality. The smart pointer acts as an interface that allows users to access and interact with the content directly, while the local application renders the content as part of the smart pointer's interface without modifying the content's structure or format. The content management system provides backend support, enabling the content and its features to remain accessible and functional across different platforms. This approach eliminates the need for pre-processing or reformatting, ensuring a consistent and immediate user experience. The system is designed to handle dynamic content, ensuring that updates or changes to the content are reflected in real-time without additional processing steps. This method improves efficiency and reduces latency in content delivery, particularly for interactive or feature-rich digital assets.
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May 26, 2020
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